Tasman National Park

Jagged sea cliffs, towering dolerite columns, and the relentless Southern Ocean swell define Tasman National Park, a wild coastal reserve on the Tasman Peninsula just over an hour’s drive from Hobart. This is where the land dramatically meets the sea, offering some of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The park protects the iconic Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the soaring sea cliffs of Cape Hauy, all carved from ancient rock by millennia of wind and waves. It’s a place for serious walkers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a raw, elemental experience of Australia’s island state.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Hauy Track – One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, this 4-hour return hike rewards you with breathtaking views of the Candlestick and the Totem Pole, two iconic sea stacks, plus the chance to spot seabirds and dolphins.
• Tasman Arch & Devil’s Kitchen – Two easy-access geological marvels: a natural rock arch and a collapsed sea cave, both showcasing the power of the Southern Ocean.
• Waterfall Bay & The Blowhole – A short, family-friendly walk leads to a dramatic blowhole and the emerald-green Waterfall Bay, where water cascades over dolerite cliffs.
• Remarkable Cave – A sea cave that can be explored at low tide, offering a unique perspective on the park’s geology.
• Port Arthur Historic Site – While just outside the park, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement is a must-combine, with its well-preserved ruins and haunting history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park’s highlights. Start early with the Cape Hauy walk (allow 3–4 hours), then take in the coastal viewpoints and shorter walks in the afternoon. If you’re short on time, a half-day drive from Hobart can still include the main lookouts and a short walk, but you’ll miss the best of the park’s epic coastal trails. For a thorough experience, combine with a visit to Port Arthur (allow another half-day).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Arthur Historic Site – A short drive from the park, this convict settlement offers a deep dive into Tasmania’s colonial past.
• Eaglehawk Neck – The narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the mainland, with its famous dog line and Tessellated Pavement.
• Coal Mines Historic Site – A lesser-known convict site with remains of a coal mine and solitary confinement cells.
• Fortescue Bay – A beautiful beach and campground, plus the start of the Cape Huay walk, ideal for a picnic or swim.

Please check official sources for current details.